Rita Fletcher, Chairman of the Board of IPRA for 2017

I would like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board of IPRA for 2017. I’m extremely excited about what is ahead for all of us in the field of parks and recreation and IPRA.

As I was thinking about what to write I started reflecting on the steps that I have taken that led me to where I am today. One of my favorite childhood memories was when I was in 2nd grade and taking part in a Wheaton Park District summer camp. As part of the camp I got to attend my very first Cubs game – yes I was that kid who brought her baseball glove to the game and bought a scorecard to keep track of every batter as I wanted to share this with my dad when I got home. At that time I never imagined it would be 2016 before I saw my Cubs finally win the World Series. Sorry White Sox and Cardinals fans but I’m still celebrating.

After graduating from EIU I was very fortunate to get a job as a recreation supervisor at the Bartlett Park District and have been able to grow professionally in Bartlett as the community grew in size. At Bartlett incorporated in our vision statement is the saying we strive on creating lasting memories and over the years I have been able to see some amazing things happen involving people of all ages and abilities.  A few examples include watching a third grader make their first ever basket in a basketball game – he was so excited he stopped and waved to his parents, I’ve watched children go to their first day of preschool and not sure who it was harder on the parents or the preschooler. Families having a birthday celebration in a park, adults playing in sports leagues with long time friends, a young couple getting married and recently I witnessed a young staff member teaching an 84 year old woman how to swim. The list could go on and on and I’m sure all of you have played in instrumental part in people lives as we are all very fortunate to be part of this amazing profession.

Throughout my career I was given the opportunity to become active in IPRA. I have attended many conferences, I was involved in SPRA and the Facility Management Section and the Joint Distinguished Accreditation Committee and the IPRA Board to name a few.

For all the people who I have worked with on various committees over the years – thank you. I have learned from all of you and I will do my best to remember what you have taught me as I take on this new role for IPRA.

Volunteers are what makes IPRA great and to all the Superintendents and Executive Directors I ask you to think about what you can do for IPRA. Are you encouraging your staff to get involved in IPRA?  One of the great things about our profession is the friendships we make and one of the best ways to develop these friendships is by networking and getting involved and working together to achieve a common goal. 

As we move forward in 2017 I would like to share a couple of short quotes that hopefully everyone will think about as we encounter the challenges that arise during the year:

1. To quote my favorite Cubs Manager Joe Maddon - Don’t ever let the Pressure exceed the Pleasure.
2. Henry Ford stated - Coming Together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.

Please remember to celebrate all your achievements and help create memories for all those around you.

Rita Fletcher, Executive Director

Bartlett Park District